Finishing apparatus



y 9, 1967 .J- F. RAMPE 3,318,051

FINISHING APPARATUS Filed April 5, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet l Fig. I

I NVENTOR. JOHN F PAM/1E ATTOEUEYi May 9, 1967 J. F. RAMPE FINI SHING APPARATUS Filed April :5, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. JOHN F. PAM/ E BY lBow vfi/f 5W4 amJ/M ATTOIZNEYS May 9, 1967 J- F. RAMPE FINISHING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 3, 1964 INVENTOR. JOHN F. EAM/ e- BY 3mm, Hmm M Hmowd/ ATTOIZNEYE.

y 9, 1967 J. F. RAMPE 3,318,051

FINISHING APPARATUS Filed April 5, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTQR JOHN E PAM/ E 3W 564M24 Hm wad/M ATTORNEYS.

May 9., 1967 J. F. RAMPE FINISHING APPARATUS Filed April 5, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

JOHN F. PAM/3e BMW ,Swm flew/Loam" aM/{mM/a,

ATTORNEYS,

y 9, 196 J. F. RAMPE 3,318,051

FINI SHING APPARATUS Filed April 3, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Fig.6

INVENTOR, JOHN F. Pampe- BY 50M, 5M, 50 Hm M M ATTORNEYS.

y 9, 1967 J. F. RAMPE FINISHING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed April 3, 1964 Hul Fig. I0

INVENTOR. F. PAM/ 6 JOHN A TTUEN E Y5.

United States Patent Ofiice 3,318,051 Patented May 9, 1967 3,318,051 FINISHING APPARATUS John F. Ramps, 3417 Fairfax Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 Filed Apr. 3, 1964, Ser. No. 357,212 12 Claims. (Cl. 51-163) This invention relates to finishing apparatus, and more particularly to vibratory finishing apparatus of the orbital type.

In my copending United States application, Ser. No. 261,981, filed Mar. 1, 1963, now Patent No. 3,191,348, there is illustrated and described an orbital type vibratory apparatus, for the surface finishing of metal articles such as castings, forgings, stampings, etc. in which an open-topped work holding tub is mounted on a carriage which in turn is supported on a fixed frame by resilient mounts whereby the carriage and the tub may have orbital movement relative to the frame. A counterpoise structure is also supported on the fixed frame adjacent to the tubcarriage by resilient mounts and a common eccentric drive shaft means is adapated to impart orbital movement to both the tub carriage and the counterpoise structure whereby the forces imposed on the eccentric drive shaft by the orbital movement of the resiliently mounted tub carriage and tub are opposed and balanced by the forces imposed on the eccentric drive shaft by the orbital movement of the resiliently mounted counterpoise structure; This arrangement provides a smooth running mechanism which may be operated at high speed without setting up dangerous and harmful vibrations in the apparatus itself or in the building in which it is housed.

In the apparatus of the present invention counterbalanced support and drive means are employed for a work carrying tub which are similar in some respects to those of my said co-pending patent application.

In the operation of finishing apparatus of this type an abrasive finishing medium such as steel shot, stone particles, or other suitable material, selected according to the results desired, is charged into the tub with the articles to be finished. A liquid, for example water, is usually, but not always, added to facilitate the polishing, deburning or other finishing action of the finishing medium on the work.

In the apparatus of my above identified co-pending patent application, and in other finishing apparatus of this general type, the finishing is carried on in batches, the apparatus being completely stopped to empty the tub at the completion of each finishing cycle and the tub then being recharged with articles to be finished, abrasive media and liquid vehicle and the operation repeated.

The stopping of the apparatus for emptying the tubs, recharging them and starting up again is a time consuming operation and it is one of the objects of my present invention to provide a vibratory finishing apparatus by which this time is minimized in batch operation and which may also be adapted to operate continuously without stopping or shut down. To this end means are provided whereby articles may be intermittently or continuously deposited in the tub and intermittently or continuously discharged therefrom without stopping the orbital movement therof, the finishing medium may be intermittently or continuously charged into and removed from the tub without stopping same, the undesirable fines which result from the finishing process may be separated out and removed, and the liquid vehicle may be intermittently or continuously withdrawn, separated from any entrained undesirable material, and returned to the tub during operation thereof.

Further objects of my invention include the provision of an improved finishing machine in which the work receiving vessel or tub is disposed for convenient loading and unloading of work pieces and finishing medium thereinto and which may readily be discharged without stopping its vibratory movement; the provision of an orbital type finishing machine of compact and rugged design in which the tub may be loaded from the top and unloaded from one end during operation thereof; the provision of a vibratory finishing machine which will not transmit substantial vibration to the floor or other support on which it is mounted; and the provision of a vibratory type finishing machine which may be operated continuously, which requires a minimum of upkeep, and which may be economically constructed and maintained.

The above and other objects of my invention will appear from the followingdescription of one embodiment thereof reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an illustrative perspective view showing my improved continuous finishing machine including the orbital type vibratory finishing tub, the work and finishing medium separating screen, the medium recirculating mechanism, and the fluid vehicle cleaning and circulating apparatus.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view, on a somewhat larger scale, of the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged perspective view, partially broken away for clearness, of the finishing tub and its support and drive means.

FIGURE 4 is an end elevational view, taken substantially on line 44 of FIGURE 3, illustrating the vibration damping tub support mechanism, the tub being removed.

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view taken substantially on line 55 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a plan view taken substantially On line 6-6 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view, taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIGURE 4, illustrating one set of the resilient shear mounts for the tub carriage and the counterpoise structure.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view, taken substantially on line 8-8 of FIGURE 4, illustrating the eccentric drive shaft and its connections with the tub carriage and the counterpoise structure.

FIGURE 9 is a detached end view of the finishing tub, part being broken away to show the inner contour thereof and the end discharge door arrangement.

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing the separator screen unit and the medium recirculating conveyor.

In FIGURE 1, which is a general perspective view of my improved apparatus, and in FIGURE 2 which is a plan view thereof, the orbital finishing unit is generally indicated at A, the medium and work separator unit at S, the fluid settling and recirculating tank at R, and the medium recirculating conveyor at M.

As seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, the finishing unit A, except for the tub T, is enclosed in a protective sheet metal casing 1. In FIGURES 3-8 inclusive the orbital finishing unit is illustrated with the enclosing cover 1 removed. Broadly speaking, the finishing unit A includes a stationary frame generally indicated at F, a tub supporting carriage structure generally indicated at C, a counterpoise structure generally indicated at P, a work carrying tub T, and drive means D for imparting the desired movement to the tub carriage and tub.

The frame structure F (see FIGURES 3-6) consists of a generally rectangular base 2 on which are mounted upright columns 3 and 4. The column 3 is made up of vertical angle members 5 and 5 which extend upward from the base 2 and are connected by suitable top and bottom cross members 6 and 6. Top offset angle tub carriage support flanges 7 and 8 are secured at the top of column 3 and project in the opposite direction from the angles 5 and 5'. Similar bottom offset angle tub carriage support flanges 7' and 8 are secured at the bottom of column 3.

In like manner the column 4 has vertical angle members and it) top and bottom cross members 6a and 6b, oppositely extending top offset angle tub carriage supports 11 and 12, and bottom tub carriage supports one of which is seen at 12' in FIGURE 4. The upper edges of the oppositely extending flanges of the angles 5 and 5 and the tub carriage supports 7 and ti, and the corresponding upper edges of the angles 9 and 10 and the tub carriage supports 11 and 12, are each provided with a downwardly extending slot 13 to receive resilient shear mount members as will be later described. Suitable reinforcing cross members 3 and 4, extending between the columns 3 and 4, are also provided to impart the desired rigidity to the structure (see FIGURE 4).

The tub carriage structure C, as is best seen in FIG- URES 36, includes a pair of upright H-shaped tub carrying members generally indicated at 14 and 15. The front (as seen in FIGURE 3) tub carrying member 14 includes a pair of vertical uprights 17 and 18 connected together by a transverse horizontal center cross member 19. The rear tub carrying member 15, in like manner, consists of a pair of vertical uprights 1'7 and 18' connected together by a center cross member 19'. The two H- shaped members 14 and 15 are secured together by transverse struts 16 which connect the vertical members 17 and 17 and similar transverse struts 16 which connect the vertical members 18 and 18'.

Heavy transverse bars 22 and 23 are secured to the lower ends of each of the H-shaped end members 14 and 1S and extend across between the vertical uprights 17, 17 and 18, 18 thereof. These bars 22 and 23 constitute weights which are designed to balance the weight of the tub T and the work load carried therein.

The tub carriage C is suspended at its upper end in the frame F by four resilient shear mounts 3t), 31, 32 and 33. Each of these mounts (see FIGURES 3 and 7) comprises a cylindrical resilient body (of rubber or the like) having coaxial bolts 35 and 36 embedded therein and extending out from its opposite ends which are flat and parallel. The inner ends of bolts 35 and 36, which are bonded in the resilient body, are spaced from each other (FIGURE 7) to provide a resilient connection between the stationary frame F and the tub supporting carriage C whereby the carriage may have orbital or other vibratory movement independently of and relative to the frame. Such movement, however, is restricted by the mounts 30-33 to being substantially in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the tub T.

The mounts 30, 31, 32 an 33 are respectively secured at the upper ends of the tub carriage vertical uprights 17, 18, 17' and 18, the bolts 35 of the mounts extending through holes in the uprights and being secured thereto by nuts 35 as indicated in the drawings. The opposite bolts 36 of the mounts 3t), 31, 32 and 33 are lowered into the slots 13 in the upper edges of the offset angle tub carrying supports 7, 8, 11 and 12 of the frame F when the carriage C is lowered into position in the frame F. When the bolts 35 are disposed at the bottom ends of slots 13 they are secured therein by nuts 36 (see FIGURE 7).

Resilient shear mounts 33, 39 and 419, similar in all respects to the shear mounts 3043, are bolted to the bottom offset angle tub carrying support flanges S, 12 and 7 respectively (see FIGURES 3 and 4) and another similar mount, not seen in the drawings, is secured to the tub supporing flange on column 4 which corresponds to flange 7' on column 3. Upwardly extending slots 42 are formed in the bottom ends of the vertical uprights 17, 18, 17 and 18 of the tub carriage C, and these slots receive 4 the bolts at the outer ends of the bottom shear mounts when the carriage C is lowered into position in the frame F (see FIGURES 3 and 4).

These resilient shear mounts are so disposed on the frame F and the carriage C that the carriage C is supported completely out of contact with the frame F. A mount is interposed between the frame and the carriage at each of the eight corners of the carriage and, by properly positioning the mounts, the weight of the carriage C and the tub T and the work therein may be distributed between these eight resilient mounts. This distribution permits use of relatively small shear mounts, resulting in a compact mechanism, and also reduces the load which has to be carried by each mount during operation of the apparatus. Furthermore the resilient mounts, while permitting limited movement in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the tub T, substantially prevent movement of the carriage in a direction parallel to said axis because of the great resistance of the rubber or the like bodies to compressive forces.

The open top work carrying tub T, as best seen in FIG- URES 3 and 9, is mounted on the carriage C above the cross members 19 and 19 of the H-shaped tub carrying members 14 and 15, is generally cylindrical in shape and has its longitudinal axis extending substantially normally to and between the transverse cross members 19 and 19. A curved wall 45 defines the bottom and part of the sides of the tub and vertical side panels 46 and 47, a solid rear end wall 48 and an apertured front end wall 49, formed with a discharge opening 50, complete the tub. The upper edges of the side panels 46 and 47 and end walls 48 and 49 define the unobstructed top charging opening 57 of the tub T.

Angle guides 51 on the front end wall 49 provide a sliding support for a door 52. As seen in FIGURE 9 the door 52 has been lifted to fully open the discharge opening 51 A clamping bar 53 and handle 54 are adapted to hold the door 52 in full or partly open position and, when released, to permit the door 52 to drop down until it covers and closes the discharge opening 50. The clamping bar 53 and guides 51 are also adapted to seal the door 52 in tightly closed position, thus preventing leakage through the outlet opening 50. A discharge chute 50 projects from the end wall 49 below discharge opening 50 and serves to convey finished parts, finishing medium and liquid vehicle to the separator unit S which will be later described.

The tub T includes a base plate 55 secured to the curved wall 45 by gussets 56. When the tub T is mounted on the tub supporting carriage C this base plate 55 rests upon and is removably secured (as by screws or bolts not shown) to the tub supporting channels 20 and 21. The completely unobstructed top opening 57 in the tub T greatly facilitates loading thereof and the length of the tub is preferably such that the ends thereof project somewhat outside of or beyond the front and near H- shaped tub carrying members 14 and 15. With this arrangement the discharge opening 51 is also unobstructed by other parts of the structure.

By means of the double H-frame tub carriage C a rigid support is provided for the work receiving tub T the length of which is limited only by the distance between the front and rear H-shaped members 14 and 15. It will also be understood that in some cases one or more additional intermediate H-shaped tub carrying members may be supported from the frame F between the end pair 14 and 15 of such members.

Because of this vertical H-shaped tub support, with the tub mounted in the upper portion thereof and above the transverse cross members 19 and 19', there is no structure overlying the open top of the tub or disposed at either end of the tub. As previously noted, this permits unobstructed access to and top loading of the tub and unobstructed discharge from either end thereof. As will be later described, this arrangement will permit continuous charging of articles to be finished into the open top of the tub at the end thereof opposite to the discharge opening 50 and continuous discharge of finished articles and finishing medium from the end discharge opening 50.

In order to balance the forces that are imposed upon the drive shaft (to be later described) and to minimize the vibration transmitted to the frame F during gyration of the tub supporting carriage C, a pair of counterpoise structures P and P are provided. As these structures are substantially identical in form and arrangement only counterpoise P at the front of the finishing unit A will be described in detail.

The counterpoise P, like the tub supporting carriage C, is a generally H-shaped structure having a pair of vertical side members 60 and 61 connected by a center transverse member 62. At the upper ends of members 60 and 61 resilient shear mounts 63 and 64, similar to mounts 39-33, are secured by bolts 63' and 64 which extend through holes in the upper ends of members 60 and 61. The bolts which project from the opposite ends of shear mounts 63 and 64 are carried in the slots 13 in the upper ends of the vertical frame members 4 and 5. Bottom shear mounts 6d and 66 are bolted to the lower ends of the vertical frame members 5 and 19 respectively and the lower ends of the members 60 and 61 of counterpoise P are slotted at 67 and 68 (see FIGURE 3) to receive the bolts 65 and 66 which project from the outer ends of the shear mounts 65 and 66.

From the above it will be observed that when it is desired to support the counterpoise structure P on the frame F the bolts which project from the inner ends of the shear mounts 63 and 64 (which are bolted to the upper ends of members 60 and 61 of the counterpoise) are inserted into the slots 13 in the upper ends of the uprights 5 and on the frame structure and at the same time the slots 67 and 68 at the lower ends of members 60 and 61 of the counerpoise P aredropped over the bolts 65 and 66 of the bottom shear supports 65 and 66.

Counter balancing weights 69 and 70 are secured to the transverse center member 62 of counterpoise P for purposes which will be later described. To add rigidity to the counterpoise structure stiffening webs '71, 72, 73 and 74 are secured to the members 60 and 61 and the transverse member 62 as by welding. The resilient shear mounts 63, '64, 65 and 66 are so disposed, and the counterpoise structure P is so designed, that when supported on the frame F the counterpoise is entirely out of contact therewith and also entirely out of contact with the tub supporting carriage C. The resilient shear mounts permit the counterpoise P to oscillate relative to the frame F and independently of the tub carriage C.

The rear counterpoise structure P is substantially identical with the stucture P but is mounted adjacent to and outside of tub carrying member 15, at the opposite end of the finishing unit A from tub carrying member 14, on resilient shear mounts similar to those which support the counterpoise P, the upper two mounts being seen at 75 and 76 in FIGURE 3. As the counterpoise P is mounted in the same manner as counterpoise P it also is supported for limited orbital movement independently of the frame F and the tub carriage C. As seen in FIG- URE 3, one of the pair of H-shaped counterpoise struc-- tures P and P is supported adjacent each of the pair of H-shaped tub carrying members 14 and with the transverse members 62 of the counterpoise structures horizontally disposed and aligned with the cross members 19 and 19 of the tub carrying members.

The drive mechanism for imparting orbital movement to the tub supporting carriage C and the tub T is generally indicated at D on FIGURE 6 of the drawings. As best seen in FIGURES 4, 5, 6 and 8, this drive means in-- cludes a drive motor 82 mounted on a supporting bracket 81 which is pivotally mounted on the frame F at 89 (see FIGURE 5). A floating drive shaft 83 has end and center portions 83a, 83b, and 830 (see FIGURE 8), and its axis extends normally to the transverse cross members 19 and 19' of the tub carriage C. An eccentric counterpoise engaging portion 83d of shaft 83 is rotatably mounted in a bearing 84 carried by the center transverse member 62 of the front counterpoise structure P. Adjacent to eccentric counterpoise engaging shaft portion 83a is a tub carriage engaging eccentric shaft portion 832 which is supported in a suitable bearing 85 in the cross member 19 of the front H-shaped tub carrying member 14 of the tub supporting carriage C. As seen in FIGURE 8, the .axis of the eccentric portion 83d lies on the opposite side of the main center line or axis of shaft 83 from the center line or axis of the eccentric portion 83c and is offset therefrom.

In like manner, at the rear end of drive shaft 83 a counterpoise engaging eccentric portion 83 (coaxial with ccentric portion 83d) extends through a suitable bearing 84' in the transverse member 62 of the rear counterpoise P and a tub carriage engaging eccentric portion 83g (offset 180 from eccentric portion 83 and coaxial with eccentric portion 83e) extends through a bearing 85 in the cross member 19' of the rear H-shaped tub carrying member 15 of the tub support. carriage C.

The rear end 83a of shaft 83 has a pulley 86 secured thereto and the driving belt 87 extends between the pulley 86 and the drive motor pulley 88. As the motor support bracket 81 is pivotally secured at its inner end 89 (see FIGURE 5) to the frame F, the weight of the motor 82 and the bracket 81 maintains the belt 37 under substantially constant tension regardless of any minor variations in the position of the center line of shaft 83 which may occur during starting, stopping or operation of the apparatus.

It if is desired that thetub carriage C and the tub T have an orbital movement of approximately 4;" ampli tude, the common center line of the portions 83c and $35 of shaft 33, which extend through the bearings 85 and 85 and activate the carriage C, 'Will be offset approximately ,4 from the main shaft center line of the coaxial portions 83a, 83b and 830.

In order that the forces that are imposed on the tub carriage C and tub T during rotation of shaft 83- will be properly counterbalanced and opposed by the counterpoise members P and P, the common center line of the shaft portions 83d and 83 which extend through and are suported in bearings 84 and 84' in counterpoise members P and P, is offset the same distance (approximately ,6 on the opposite side of the main shaft center line and 180 from the common center line of portions 832 and 83g.

The counterpoise members P and P are so designed that their centers of inertia or mass lie in close juxtaposition to the main axis of the shaft 83 and the tub carriage H and the tub T are so designed that the center of mass or inertia thereof, with the designed load of parts and finishing materials in the tub, is also in close juxtaposition to the main axis of the shaft 83.

Now, when the motor 82 is operated and the shaft 83 is rotated, orbital movement will be imparted to the tub carriage C and to the tub T and its contents. A corresponding but opposed orbital movement will also be imparted to the counterpoise members P and P, these orbital movements being permitted by the resilient shear mounts which support these structures relative to the frame F. Due to the balancing of the orbit imparting forces applied to the tub carriage and tub as one unit and to the counterpoise structures as another unit during the above described operation of my apparatus, the main shaft center line or axis of the portions 86a, 83b and 83c of the shaft 83, and hence the center of drive pulley 86, will remain substantially stationary and a minimum of vibratory forces will be transmitted to the frame structure F and the foundation upon which it is supported.

The load in the tub T is fluid to a certain degree (i.e.

the parts being finished and the finishing medium and liquid vehicle are movable within the tub as well as having orbital movement with the tub itself), and I have determined that under such conditions the total mass of the counterpoise members P and P required effectively to counterbalance the tub carriage, tub and work load is somewhat less than the total mass of tub carriage, tub and work load. For example, I have found that for an amplitude of orbit of about when the total weight or mass of the tub, tub carriage and load in the tub is about 1,000 pounds, the total weight or mass of the counterpoise members P and P which will most effectively counterbalance same is approximately 700 pounds or about 70% of the total weight or mass of the carriage, tub and load.

It is pointed out that this percentage will vary in practice because of differences in the weight of the work loads charged into the tub T but I have determined that excellent results may be obtained (so far as elimination of harmful vibration is concerned), when the total weight of the counterpoise structure is between about 50% and about 80% of the total weight of the tub carriage, tub and work load (it being understood that the work load includes the parts to be finished, the finishing medium and the liquid vehicle if any).

The orbital finishing unit A has been described above. 'Referring particularly to FIGURES 1, 2 and 10, the finishing medium and work separator unit S, the fluid settling and recirculating tank R, and the finishing medium recirculating conveyor M will now be described.

The separator unit S includes a frame structure 95 on which a screen box or housing 9'6 is rockably supported on pivotal supports 97 and 98. As seen in FIGURE 1 the screen box 96 is inclined downwardly to the right and suitable drive means 96" are provided for imparting oscillating rocking motion to the box 96 on its supports 97 and 9 8. A finishing medium discharge chute fig extends from one end of the screen box 96 and an upper work discharge chute 100 and a lower waste fines discharge chute 1 extend from the opposite end.

As best seen in FIGURE 2 an upper coarse screen 102 receives material discharged from the tub T by the chute 50'. This screen is of large enough mesh to permit the finishing medium to pass therethrough but will retain thereon the work pieces that have been discharged from the tub T. Due to the inclination of this screen 102 downwardly to the right as seen in FIGURE 1, and to the oscillating vibratory movement thereof, the articles that have been finished move thereover and are discharged by the upper chute 109. The finishing medium and any discharged liquid vehicle pass through the upper screen 1112 and the finishing medium is stopped by the lower relatively fine mesh screen 103. This screen is inclined in a direction opposite to upper screen 162 so that the finishing medium particles thereon will travel to the left (FIG- URES 1 and 2) into the finishing medium discharge chute 59 which, as seen in FIGURE 1, is inclined downwardly and extends to the medium recirculating conveyor M.

The fluid vehicle and fine particles of abrasive material removed from the parts being finished pass through the lower screen 103 to the inclined bottom of the screen box 96 and then travel to the right (FIGURE 1) to the waste fines outlet chute 101 which discharges them into a suitable receptacle (not shown). From the preceding description it will be observed that the separator unit S will separate and convey to different locations the parts that have been finished in the tub, the finishing medium, and the waste fines and liquid that result from the finishing operation.

In order to maintain the desired quantity and quality of liquid vehicle (such as water) in the tub T a recirculating and cleaning system is provided which includes the settling and recirculating tank R, an inlet hose 1114 which extends from tank R and discharges into the open top er of tub T, and an outlet hose 1135- which connects to drain openings 1% in the bottom of the tub T and conducts the liquid from the tub T to the tank R. The tank R provides means whereby sludge from the finishing operation which is entrained in the liquid vehicle withdrawn from the tub T may be permitted to settle out from the liquid, thus providing a source of clean liquid which may be recirculated by means of a pump 1W through the hose 104 back to the tub T. A valve 1118 in hose 1114 is adapted to shut off or throttle the flow of clean liquid back to the tub T and valve means, not shown, are provided to control the discharge of liquid from the tub T through hose 1-05.

By means of this liquid vehicle settling and recirculating apparatus the sludge which results from the abrasive cleaning operation may be continuously removed from the circulating liquid vehicle, thus maintaining most eificient cutting action at all times and resulting in cleaner and brighter finished parts. A trough 1119 on top of tank R is adapted to receive liquid from tub T which is discharged from the spout when the tub is emptied of liquid at the end of a batch finishing operation. Suitable connections and valves (not shown) control the flow of liquid from tub T to spout 116' and trough 1119 discharges into tank R through an outlet 111 (FIGURE 2).

The medium recirculating conveyor M, which receives the finishing medium from the separator unit S and returns it to the tub T, is best seen in FIGURES 1, 2 and l0. A vertical housing or tower 115 has a medium re ceiving hopper 116 at its lower end. The medium discharge chute ?9 of the separator unit S has its outlet within the hopper 1 16 and discharges the particles of finishing medium thereinto.

As best seen in FIGURE 10, the inner bottom wall 117 of the tower 115 is curved to facilitate picking up of the medium which enters the bottom of the tower 115 from the hopper 116 by the conveyor buckets 118 which are mounted on a conveyor chain 119. The conveyor chain 119 is endless and extends around a bottom sprocket 1219 rotatably mounted on a shaft 121 and an upper sprocket 122 mounted on drive shaft 123. The top shaft bearings 123 are mounted for vertical adjustment in guideways 12d and 125 and tension on the chain 119 may be maintained at the proper value by the adjusting screws 126 which extend through suitable threaded apertures in plate 127 mounted on the tower 115.

The chain and bucket conveyor just described is driven by a motor 123, mounted on a bracket 12 9 on the tower 115, through a belt 13% (FIGURE 2) which extends from the motor pulley 131 to the pulley 13 2 which is mounted on the end of the shaft 123. An out-let opening 133 in the upper part of tower 115 opens into the medium receiving box 13d which is mounted on the side of the tower 115 and a guideplate or bafiie 135, which extends inwardly into the tower 115 adjacent the bottom of outlet opening 133, is adapted to direct the finishing medium into the receiving box 134 as it is dumped from the buckets 118 when they pass over the top sprocket 122.

As seen in FIGURE 10, and indicated by arrows, the conveyor chain 119 travels in counterclockwise direction so that the open ends of the buckets 118 are on top as the buckets move upwardly, and are on the bottom as the buckets move downwardly. A11 inclined chute 136, supported by a bracket 136, extends from the bottom of the receiving box 134 to a point above the top opening 57 of the tub T and adjacent the rear end of the tub as seen in FIGURE 2. In order to shut off or regulate the flow of medium through the chute 136 to the tub T a moveable bafllle or damper 137 is supported 011 a shaft 138 extending across the chute 136 near its upper end. As seen in FIGURES 1 and 2 this damper 137 is open to permit the free flow of finishing medium through the chute 136. A handle 139 on the outer end of shaft 138 will facilitate adjustment of the position of the damper 137 and permit same to be moved transversely of the chute 136 to block the flow of finishing medium therethrough when desired. When the bafi'lie 137 is closed the finishing medium which is elevated by the conveyor buckets 118 will be collected in the receiving box 134.

The operation of my improved finishing apparatus for the batch finishing of parts will now be described and it may be assumed that the tub T is empty, the end gate 52 thereof closed, and a proper supply of finishing medium held in the receiving box 134 of the conveyor M by the closed 'bafile 137. A load of parts is now placed in the tub T through the top opening 57 and the baffle 137 is moved to open position to permit the desired charge of finishing medium to enter the tub. If a liquid vehicle is to be used in the finishing operation it is pumped from the tank R into the tub T through the hose 1% by the pump 107. When the tub is properly loaded with parts, finishing medium, and liquid vehicle the motor 82 of the orbital finishing unit is started and the parts are subjected to the finishing action of the medium during orbital movement of the tub for the time necessary to achieve desired result. During this finishing operation the liquid vehicle may be continuously withdrawn from the tub through the hose 105 to the tank R and, after solids have settled therefrom in the tank, be continuously returned to the tub T through the hose 194.

When the desired time has elapsed the orbital finishing units is stopped and the liquid is drained from the tub T through the outlet spout 11% back into the tank R. The door 52 at the end of the tub is now opened and the parts and finishing medium are discharged therethrough onto the upper screen 1G9; of the separator unit S. The longitudinal axis of the tub T is preferably inclined slightly downwardly to facilitate emptying the tub and the tub may be operated with the door 52- open to assist in the discharge of the load.

The separator unit S, as previously described, will discharge the finished parts from the work discharge chute 100 and will convey the finishing medium through the chute 99 into the hopper lid of the recirculating conveyor M. Any waste liquid and fines material which is dis-charged from the tub will pass from the housing @6 though the chute 97 it being understood, of course, that the housing 96 is vibrated by the drive means 96 during the separating operation.

The elevating conveyor 118-119 is driven during this operation so that the buckets 118 will pick up finishing medium that is discharged into the rounded bottom 117 of the tower 115 through the hopper 116 and elevate same to the top of the tower. When the buckets 118 are inverted at the top of the tower they will dump the finishing medium into the receiving box 134. At this time the bafiie 137 in the chute 136 will be closed so that the medium is held in the upper end of the chute and in the box 134. The apparatus is now ready to receive another load of parts ,to be finished so that the above described batch finishing operation may be repeated.

As has been previously noted, my improved finishing apparatus is also adapted for continuous operation in which parts and finishing medium are continuously fed into the top of the tub at the rear end thereof and are continuously discharged through the discharge opening 50 at the front end thereof. During such operation the elevating conveyor 115-118, the finishing unit A, the liquid recirculating apparatus R and the separating unit S are continuously operated. The door 52 at the end of the tub T is held in a position by clamping bar 53 such that the discharge opening 59 of the tub T will be open enough to permit the parts being finished to pass ther under and to regulate the rate of flow of parts and finishing medium from the rear end of the tub to the front end thereof so that each part will remain in the tub, and be subjected to finishing action of the medium, for the desired length of time.

During this continuous operation the separator unit S will continuously receive parts and finishing medium from the discharge chute 5t), finished parts will be continuous y discharged through the chute 100, and the finishing medium will be continuously conveyed through the chute 99, elevating conveyor 115418, receiving box 134 and chute 136 back to the tub T. Parts are also continuously fed into the rear of the tub T at its rear end (away from outlet 50) and at a rate such that the load in the tub will be maintained substantially constant at all times. It will be understood that the parts to be finished may be fed to the tub T either manually or by suitable conveyor means (not shown).

From the above explanation of the operation of my improved finishing apparatus it will be understood that it is adapted for either batch or continuous operation, that the tub support and balancing mechanism is such that the open top of the tub is fully exposed and accessible While the ends of the tub are also fully exposed to permit free and, if desired, continuous discharge therefrom. Furthermore, although I have described the illustrated embodimerit of my invention in considerabie detail it will be understood that variations and modifications may be made in the particular form and arrangement of the several elements thereof without departing from the spirit of my invention. 1 do not, therefore, wish to be limited to the exact apparatus herein shown and described but claim as my invention all embodiments thereof coming Within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Vibratory finishing apparatus including a frame structure, a tub carrying member having a pair of uprights and a cross member extending between said uprights, resilient shear mount means on said frame structure for supporting said tub carrying member on said uprights, a work carrying tub mounted on said tub carrying member between said uprights and above said cross member thereof, said tub having its longitudinal axis extending substantially normally to said cross member and having a charging opening in the top thereof and a discharge opening in one end thereof, a drive shaft having its axis extending substantially normally to said cross member of said tub carriage, said shaft having an eccentric portion having bearing in said cross member, means for rotating said shalt, a counterpoise structure having a pair of side members connected by a transverse member, resilient shear mount means on said frame structure for supporting said counterpoise structure on said side members thereof, said drive shaft having a second eccentric portion offset substantially 180 from said first eccentric portion and having bearing in said transverse member of said counterpoise structure, the center of mass of said tub carrying member and tub with designed load therein and the center of mass of said counterpoise structure being disposed in close juxtaposition to said axis of said drive shaft.

2 Vibratory finishing apparatus according to claim 1 in which the total weight of said counterpoise structure is less than the total weight of said tub carrying member, tub and work load therein.

3. Vibratory finishing apparatus according to claim 2 in which the total weight of said counterpoise structure is between about 50% and about of the total weight of said tub carrying member, tub and work load therein.

4. Vibratory finishing apparatus according to claim 1 in which the uprights of said tub carriage and the side members of said counterpoise structure are substantially vertically disposed.

5. Vibratory finishing apparatus according to claim 4 in which a plurality of said tub carrying members are disposed to form a tub carriage and the work carrying tub extends between and is mounted on said tub carrying members above said cross members thereof.

6. Vibratory finishing apparatus according to claim 5 which includes a plurality of said counterpoise structures, one supported on said frame structure by said resilient shear mount means adjacent to each of said tub carrying members.

7. Vibratory finishing apparatus including a frame structure, a tub carriage having a plurality of spaced upright generally H-shaped tub carrying members, each of said tub carrying members having a pair of vertical uprights and a generally horizontal cross member extending between said uprights, resilient shear mount means on said frame structure for supporting said H-shaped tub carrying members at each end of said vertical uprights, a generally cylindrical work carrying tub extending between and mounted on said H-shaped tub carrying members above said cross members thereof, said tub having its longitudinal axis extending substantially normally to said transverse cross members and having an unobstructed charging opening in the top thereof and an unobstructed discharge opening in one end thereof adjacent to and outside of one of said H-shaped tub carrying members, a drive shaft having its axis extending between said transverse cross members of said tub carriage, said shaft having a first pair of coaxial eccentric portions having bearings in said cross members, means for rotating said shaft, a pair of generally H-shaped counterpoise structures each having a pair of vertical side members connected by a transverse member, and resilient shear mount means on said frame structure for supporting said H-shaped counterpoise structures at each end of said vertical side members thereof, one of said counterpoise structures being supported adjacent to each of said tub carrying members with the transverse members of said counterpoise structures substantially aligned with the cross members of said tub carrying members, said drive shaft having a second pair of coaxial eccentric portions offset substantially 180 from said first pair of eccentric portions and having bearin gs in said transverse members of said H-shaped counterpoise structures.

3. Vibratory finishing apparatus according to claim 7 in which the center of mass of said tub carriage and tub with designed load therein and the center of mass of said counterpoise structures are disposed in close juxtaposition to said axis of said drive shaft whereby when said shaft is rotated the forces imposed thereon will be substantially balanced.

9. Vibratory finishing apparatus according to claim 8 a in which the total weight of said counterpoise structures is less than the total weight of said tub carriage, tub and Work load therein.

ltl. Vibratory finishing apparatus according to claim 9 in which the total weight of said counterpoise structures is between about 50% and 80% of the total weight of said tub carriage, tub and work load therein.

11. Continuous vibratory workpiece finishing apparatus comprising orbital finishing means including a tub having a top charging opening and an end discharge opening; door means cooperating with said end discharge opening including means for maintaining said door means in at least a partially open position to continuously discharge finished workpieces; means for orbiting said tub; separator means positioned beneath said discharge opening for separating work pieces and finishing medium discharged from said end discharge opening including a workpiece discharge trough and a screen in said trough for separating workpieces from said finishing medium; liquid vehicle settling and recirculating means for continuously removing liquid vehicle and sludge from said tub and for returning clean liquid vehicle to said tub; finishing medium recirculating means including an elevator oilset laterally from said tub, medium return means for conveyfinishing medium from said elevator to said tub charging opening, and bafi le means for controlling the flow of finishing medium through said medium return means, said elevator being adapted to convey finishing medium to said medium return means; means for conveying finishing medium from said separator means to said elevator; and means for continuously and concurrently operating said orbital finishing means, said separator means an said medium recirculating means.

12. Continuous vibratory workpiece finishing apparatus comprising orbital finishing means including a tub having a top charging opening, an end discharge opening and adjustable door means for varying the size of said discharge opening and for maintaining said door means in at least a partially open position to continuously discharge finished workpieces; means for orbiting said tub; separator means including a work piece discharge trough, a screen. in said trough for separating workpieces from finishing medium, and a finishing medium discharge trough beneath said screen; liquid vehicle settling and recirculating means for continuously removing liquid vehicle and sludge from said tub and for returning clean liquid vehicle to said tub; finishing medium recirculating means including a medium elevator offset laterally from sa' tub, medium receiving means, a return conveyor for conveying finishing medium from said receiving means to said tub charging opening, and adjustable bafiie means for controlling the ilow of finishing medium from said medium receiving means to said return conveyor and means for continuously and concurrently operating said orbital finishing means, said separator means and said finishing medium recirculating means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATESPATENTS 1,718,020 6/1929 Zarkin 516 2,414,038 1/1947 Gossard 51263 2,786,038 2/1957 Laverdisse 5l-292 2,964,186 12/1960 Ferrara 51163 2,973,606 3/1961 Brandt 51-163 3,071,900 1/1963 Balz 51-163 3,187,473 6/1965 Ruppe 51-163 HAROLD D. WHITEHEAD, Primary Examiner. 

1. VIBRATORY FINISHING APPARATUS INCLUDING A FRAME STRUCTURE, A TUB CARRYING MEMBER HAVING A PAIR OF UPRIGHTS AND A CROSS MEMBER EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID UPRIGHTS, RESILIENT SHEAR MOUNT MEANS ON SAID FRAME STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING SAID TUB CARRYING MEMBER ON SAID UPRIGHTS, A WORK CARRYING TUB MOUNTED ON SAID TUB CARRYING MEMBER BETWEEN SAID UPRIGHTS AND ABOVE SAID CROSS MEMBER THEREOF, SAID TUB HAVING ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY NORMALLY TO SAID CROSS MEMBER AND HAVING A CHARGING OPENING IN THE TOP THEREOF AND A DISCHARGE OPENING IN ONE END THEREOF, A DRIVE SHAFT HAVING ITS AXIS EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY NORMALLY TO SAID CROSS MEMBER OF SAID TUB CARRIAGE, SAID SHAFT HAVING AN ECCENTRIC PORTION HAVING BEARING IN SAID CROSS MEMBER, MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID SHAFT, A COUNTERPOISE STRUCTURE HAVING A PAIR OF SIDE MEMBERS CONNECTED BY A TRANSVERSE MEMBER, RESILIENT SHEAR MOUNT MEANS ON SAID FRAME STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING SAID COUNTERPOISE STRUCTURE ON SAID SIDE MEMBERS THEREOF, SAID DRIVE SHAFT HAVING A SECOND ECCENTRIC PORTION OFFSET SUBSTANTIALLY 180* FROM SAID FIRST ECCENTRIC PORTION AND HAVING BEARING IN SAID TRANSVERSE MEMBER OF SAID COUNTERPOISE STRUCTURE, THE CENTER OF MASS OF SAID TUB CARRYING MEMBER AND TUB WITH DESIGNED LOAD THEREIN AND THE CENTER OF MASS OF SAID COUNTERPOISE STRUCTURE BEING DISPOSED IN CLOSE JUXTAPOSITION TO SAID AXIS OF SAID DRIVE SHAFT. 